Popcorn Kernel Leads to open Heart surgery

Adam Martin in recovery. Photo courtesy of SWNS

I saw an article yesterday that emphasized how quickly things can turn dangerous with a dental issue. You can read the article in its entirety here, but I will sum it up.

Adam Martin, a 41-year-old man in the United Kingdom, had a popcorn kernel stuck in his tooth. He’d tried various ways to remove it with no success. Soon afterward, he started feeling sluggish. He thought is he was coming down with something. It quickly escalated and he took a trip to the hospital.

After some diagnostics they realized a tooth infection had quickly spread to his heart and ate away at his valves. He now required emergency open-heart surgery.

When Adam spoke to reporters, he said, “If I had gone to the dentist in the first place, none of this would have happened.”

Dental Infections Can Lead to Death

Your teeth and gums have direct and short pathways to your heart, lungs, and brain. Tooth infections and gum disease can cause serious problems, just as they did for Mr. Martin.

If you have tooth pain, it often means you have a tooth infection. It needs to be checked out as soon as possible. Most dentists reserve time for dental emergencies, such as an abscessed or broken tooth. You simply need to call your office and let them know what is going on.

Preventative Care Saves Money

I know dental care can sometimes seem expensive, but did you know NOT going actually costs you more money? Going to the dentist just twice a year prevents most cavities, especially if you are following up with good home care practices.

If you do happen to get a cavity, it is caught early. A small composite filling costs significantly less than letting it grow and needing a dental crown, which costs hundreds of dollars more. If you let it grow from there, you’re also talking about a root canal treatment or possibly even an extraction and dental implant. That is thousands of dollars more.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.